No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

No reactions are the same…that’s what makes it scary!!

For as long as I can remember, I have had a great aversion to the smell of peanuts.  If my mom was making a peanut butter sandwich or my sister was enjoying chocolate covered peanuts, I would feel sick to my stomach and have to leave the room.  At the time, we didn’t know that I had a peanut allergy.  Since my diagnosis, our house is now completely nut-free!

When reflecting on my allergic reactions to peanut exposure, I have experienced everything from a solitary hive and tingly mouth to full-body coverage of hives to the point where my body looked like cottage cheese had been injected directly into my skin.  In a controlled clinical setting, a food challenge actually put me into anaphylaxis requiring an epinephrine shot to relieve my symptoms (and possibly save my life).

There are no rules as to how the body will react to an accidental exposure to an allergen like peanut protein.  It is imperative that peanut allergy sufferers (and all people who have been diagnosed with life-threatening allergies) wear medical alert identification and carry an epinephrine injector (or two).  Plan ahead to protect yourself!!

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

V-I-G-I-L-A-N-C-E, the only current treatment for peanut allergies…

There is no cure for peanut allergies, so it is up to the allergy sufferer to be responsible for minimizing accidental exposures to allergens.

What are the keys to staying safe?
- Ask questions.  Whether eating at a restaurant or hanging out with friends, it is imperative that a peanut allergy sufferer asks about how foods are prepared and what ingredients are used.
- Tell people.  Explain to your friends and family that you have a peanut allergy.  Don’t  assume that people understand your disability.
- Avoid the allergen or products processed with the allergen.
- Wear medical identification (e.g., bracelets, other jewelry) at all times.
- Keep your prescriptions current.  Even if you have never needed to use your injector, throw it away when it expires and renew your prescriptions.
- Use your epinephrine injector when needed.  If you have been exposed to a known allergen, don’t wait for your symptoms improve.
- Go to the Emergency Room if you use your epinephrine injector.  Even if your symptoms improve, you still need to follow up with a doctor for evaluation.

An epi-pen is not foolproof.  A peanut allergy sufferer must be vigilant to ensure safety.

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

EpiPen is the most prescribed epinephrine injector, used to treat the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis.

EpiPens are dispensed as a two-pack because health professionals believe that people who are at risk for anaphylaxis should always carry two doses of epinephrine as an emergency back-up.

An EpiPen should be administered when there are visible signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. 

NOTE: Epinephrine injections are ALWAYS given in the outer thigh.  Epinephrine injections are not a substitute for emergency medical care. ALWAYS call 911 when you or someone you know has been exposed to a life-threatening allergen.

Watch this blog for upcoming training seminars to learn how to safely administer an epinephrine injector.  Learn to save a life!

Keep out of the nut house!